Anastomosis instrument and method

ABSTRACT

A surgical instrument for performing an anastomosis includes a housing having proximal and distal ends and a shaft extending from the distal end of the housing. The instrument also includes an actuator attached to the housing and a disposable loading unit configured for selective attachment to the shaft. The disposable loading unit includes a fastener support member configured and dimensioned to support an array of surgical fasteners thereon and a fastener pusher member which is movable through a firing stroke in response to movement of the actuator to deform the surgical fasteners.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/875,411 filed on Jun. 6, 2001 by Nicholas et al. entitled“Anastomosis Instrument and Method” and a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/584,541 filed on Jun. 1, 2000 by Nicholas et al.entitled “Anastomosis Instrument and Method” which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 09/256,260 filed on Feb. 23, 1999 by Nicholaset al. entitled “Anastomosis Instrument and Method” which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/877,701, entitled“Singleshot Anastomosis Instrument With Detatchable Loading Unit andMethod”, which was filed Jun. 17, 1997 by Manzo et al., whichapplication is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.08/685,385, entitled “Anastomosis Instrument and Method”, filed Jul. 23,1996 by Hinchliffe et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,380, the entirecontents of both of these disclosures are hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument andmethod for performing anastomosis of tubular body structures, and moreparticularly to an instrument for performing vascular anastomoses.

[0004] 2. Background of Related Art

[0005] Anastomoses of tubular body structures may be performed for anumber of different procedures. One general example of an anastomosis isa vascular anastomosis wherein two blood vessels are joined together topermit blood flow therebetween. A specific example of vascularanastomosis is an arteriovenous fistula (“A-V fistula”) which isperformed to facilitate hemodialysis for end stage kidney disease. Theprocedure usually consists of an end to side anastomosis joining anartery and a vein in the forearm, e.g., joining the radial artery end toside with the cephalic (radial) vein or the ulnar artery with thebasilic (ulnar) vein. It can also be performed in the leg, but usuallyafter all the arm sites have been exhausted. The A-V fistula allows asingle puncture at the dialysis unit for blood cleansing. The fistulaallows a greater flow and outflow rate through the dialyzer.

[0006] Another specific example of a vascular anastomosis is a coronaryartery bypass graft (“CABG”). Coronary artery disease is oftencharacterized by lesions or occlusions in the coronary arteries whichmay result in inadequate blood flow to the myocardium, or myocardialischemia, which is typically responsible for such complications asangina pectoris, necrosis of cardiac tissue (myocardial infarction), andsudden death. In some cases, coronary artery disease may be treated bythe use of drugs and by modifications in behavior and diet. In othercases, dilatation of coronary arteries may be achieved by suchprocedures as angioplasty, laser ablation, atherectomy, catheterization,and intravascular stents.

[0007] For certain patients, a CABG procedure is the preferred form oftreatment to relieve symptoms and often increase life expectancy. A CABGprocedure consists of direct anastomosis of a vessel segment to one ormore of the coronary arteries. For example, a reversed segment of thesaphenous vein may be grafted at one end to the ascending aorta as anarterial blood source and at the other end to a coronary artery at apoint beyond the arterial occlusion. Alternatively, the internal mammaryartery (IMA) is located in the thoracic cavity adjacent the sternum andis likewise suitable for grafting to a coronary artery, such as the leftanterior descending artery (LAD).

[0008] The performance of a CABG procedure typically requires access tothe heart, blood vessels and associated tissue. Access to the patient'sthoracic cavity may be achieved in an open procedure by making a largelongitudinal incision in the chest. This procedure, referred to as amedian sternotomy, requires a saw or other cutting instrument to cut thesternum and allow two opposing halves of the rib cages to be spreadapart. U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,779 to Bugge discloses a retractor which isdesigned to grip opposite sternum halves and spread the thoracic cavityapart. The large opening which is created by this technique enables thesurgeon to directly visualize the surgical site and perform procedureson the affected organs. However, such procedures that involve largeincisions and substantial displacement of the rib cage are oftentraumatic to the patient with significant attendant risks. The recoveryperiod may be extensive and is often painful. Furthermore, patients forwhom coronary surgery is indicated may need to forego such surgery dueto the risks involved with gaining access to the heart.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,617 to Jako discloses a retractor configuredto be held by the surgeon for use in vascular or cardiac surgery toretract and hold ribs apart to allow access to the heart or a lungthrough an operating “window”. The retractor includes a rigid frame anda translation frame slidably connected to the rigid frame. Lower andupper blades are rotatably mounted to the rigid frame and thetranslation frame respectively. The “window” approach enables thesurgeon to gain access through a smaller incision and with lessdisplacement of the ribs, and consequently, less trauma to the patient.

[0010] Once access to the thoracic cavity has been achieved, surgery onthe heart may be performed. Such procedures typically require that theheart beat be arrested while maintaining circulation throughout the restof the body. Cardioplegic fluid, such as potassium chloride (KCI) isdelivered to the blood vessels of the heart to paralyze the myocardium.As disclosed in WO 95/15715 to Sterman et al. for example, cardioplegicfluid is infused into the myocardium through the coronary arteries by acatheter inserted into the ascending aorta. Alternatively, cardioplegicfluid is infused through the coronary veins in a retrograde manner by acatheter positioned in the interior jugular vein accessed at thepatient's neck. Such procedures require the introduction of multiplecatheters into the blood vessels adjacent the heart, which iscomplicated procedure requiring that the desired vessels be properlylocated and accessed. The progression of the guide wires and cathetersmust be closely monitored to determine proper placement. Furthermore,the introduction of catheters forms punctures in the blood vessels thatmust be subsequently closed, and there is an increased risk of trauma tothe interior walls of the vessels in which the catheters must pass.

[0011] Alternatively, the CABG procedure may be performed while theheart is permitted to beat. Such a procedure is now commonly referred toas minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB). A surgicalinstrument is used to stabilize the heart and restrict blood flowthrough the coronary artery during the graft procedure. Special caremust be given to procedures performed on a beating heart, e.g.synchronizing procedures to occur at certain stages in the cardiaccycle, such as between heartbeats.

[0012] To perform a CABG procedure, the harvested vessel segment, suchas the IMA, is grafted to the coronary artery by end-to-sideanastomosis. Typically, sutures are used to graft the vessel segments.However, conventional suturing is complicated by the use of minimallyinvasive procedures, such as the window approach. Limited access andreduced visibility may impede the surgeon's ability to manually applysutures to a graft. Additionally, it is difficult and time consuming tomanually suture if the CABG procedure is being performed while the heartis beating as the suturing must be synchronized with the heart beat.

[0013] The process of manually suturing the harvested vessel segment toa coronary artery is time consuming and requires a great deal of skillon the part of the surgeon. The resulting sutured anastomosis will alsobe dependent on the skills of the surgeon. In minimally invasiveprocedures such as in MIDCAB, the ability to suture is even morecomplicated due to limited maneuverability and reduced visibility. U.S.Pat. No. 5,707,380 to which issued on Jan. 3, 1998 to Hinchliffe et al.,the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference,discloses an apparatus and a procedure that enables the remoteanastomosis without piercing of vessels during both conventional andminimally invasive procedures. A continuing need exists, however, forimproved surgical instruments and methods for performing remoteanastomoses during both conventional and minimally invasive procedures.

SUMMARY

[0014] The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument forperforming an anastomosis and includes a housing having proximal anddistal ends with a shaft extending from the distal end of the housing.The surgical instrument also includes an actuator attached to thehousing and a disposable loading unit configured for selectiveattachment to the shaft.

[0015] The disposable loading unit includes a fastener support memberconfigured and dimensioned to support an array of surgical fasteners anda fastener pusher member which is movable through a firing stroke inresponse to movement of the actuator to deform the surgical fasteners.Preferably, the disposable loading unit includes opposed split sectionswhich are pivotable relative to one another between an open position anda close position after movement of the fastener pusher member throughthe firing stroke.

[0016] In one embodiment, the opposed split sections of the disposableloading unit are locked in a closed, non-pivotable configuration priorto initiation of the firing stroke. In another embodiment, the return ofthe fastener pusher member unlocks the opposable split sections to allowpivotable movement thereof.

[0017] In another embodiment according to the present disclosure, thefastener support member supports generally C-shaped surgical fastenersin a partially compressed configuration. Preferably, each of thesurgical fasteners includes a proximal tip and a distal tip and at leastone of the proximal and distal tips of at least one of the surgicalfasteners is atraumatic.

[0018] The present disclosure also relates to a method of performing avascular anastomosis between first and second vessels and includes thesteps of providing a surgical instrument which includes:

[0019] a housing having proximal and distal ends with a shaft extendingfrom the distal end of the housing;

[0020] an actuator attached to the housing;

[0021] a disposable loading unit configured for selective attachment tothe shaft, the disposable loading unit having a passageway definedtherethrough. The disposable loading unit includes a fastener supportmember configured and dimensioned to support an array of surgicalfasteners at a distal end thereof and a fastener pusher member which ismovable through a firing stroke in response to movement of the actuatorto deform the surgical fasteners.

[0022] The method further includes the step of inserting the firstvessel through the passageway and everting an end of the first vesselover the distal end of the fastener support member adjacent the distaltips of the surgical fasteners. An additional step of the method includeinserting the fastener support member and the everted end of the firstvessel into an opening in a sidewall of the second vessel such that theproximal tips of the surgical fasteners are adjacent the opening. Themethod also includes the steps of connecting the disposable loading unitto the shaft and actuating the actuator to deform the surgical fastenersto secure the first and second vessels in fluid communication with oneanother.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] An illustrative embodiment of the subject surgical instrument andmethod are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0024]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument constructedin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a disposable loading unitconstructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

[0026]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the disposable loading unit ofFIG. 2 as seen from a reverse angle;

[0027]FIG. 4 is a perspective view the disposable loading unitembodiment of FIG. 2 shown with parts separated;

[0028]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fastener pusher half-section anda hinge lock the embodiment of the disposable loading unit of FIG. 2;

[0029]FIG. 6 is a side view of the disposable loading unit of theembodiment of FIG. 2;

[0030]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the disposable loading unit of theembodiment of FIG. 2 showing a hinge lock and a cover plate separated;

[0031]FIG. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the disposableloading unit shown greatly enlarged for clarity;

[0032]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a handle/actuator assembly of thesurgical instrument with parts separated;

[0033]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the handle/actuator assembly ofFIG. 9 shown with parts separated;

[0034]FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the distal end of a disposableloading unit holding tube;

[0035]FIG. 12 is a horizontal cross section of the handle/actuatorassembly;

[0036]FIG. 13 is a view showing an operating “window” with the patient'sheart exposed;

[0037]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a disposable loading unit with afirst vessel inserted therethrough;

[0038]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the disposable loading unit shownin reverse angle from that of FIG. 14, which shows the vascular tissueeverted over a plurality of surgical fasteners;

[0039]FIG. 16 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the disposableloading unit of FIG. 15;

[0040]FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing insertion of the disposableloading unit and everted vascular tissue through a second vessel;

[0041]FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 17, which shows full insertionof the distal end of the disposable loading unit with the evertedvascular tissue through an incision formed in the second vessel;

[0042]FIG. 19 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the inserteddisposable loading unit of FIG. 18;

[0043]FIG. 20 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of thehandle/actuator assembly;

[0044]FIG. 21 is a partial horizontal cross-sectional view showing alocking mechanism to secure the disposable loading unit to thehandle/actuator assembly;

[0045]FIG. 22 is an enlarged view isolating on the safety firing lockoutmember of the handle/actuator assembly;

[0046]FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22, which shows operation of thesafety firing lockout;

[0047]FIG. 24 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of thehandle/actuator assembly, which shows the firing sequence of thehandle/actuator assembly;

[0048]FIG. 25 is an enlarged horizontal cross-sectional view of thedistal end of the handle/actuator assembly and the disposable loadingunit, which shows the deformation of the surgical fasteners;

[0049]FIG. 26 is a side view showing operation of the disposable loadingunit;

[0050]FIG. 27 is a view similar to FIG. 26, which shows retraction of apusher member of the disposable loading unit after deformation of thesurgical fasteners;

[0051]FIG. 28 is a horizontal cross-sectional view, which showsretraction of an actuator rod of the handle/actuator assembly andlockout of a hinge lock on the disposable loading unit;

[0052]FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail ofFIG. 28;

[0053]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the distal end of the surgicalinstrument showing the opening of the disposable loading unit;

[0054]FIG. 31 is a view showing the completed anastomosis;

[0055]FIG. 31A is a view showing an alternative anastomosis site for aprocedure known as an A-V fistula;

[0056]FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of asafety firing lockout member of the handle/actuator assembly;

[0057]FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a safety release slide of theembodiment of FIG. 32;

[0058]FIG. 33A is a perspective view showing the bottom of the safetyrelease slide of FIG. 33;

[0059]FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a lockout spring of the safetyfiring lockout of FIG. 32;

[0060]FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an actuator rod of the embodimentof FIG. 32;

[0061]FIG. 36 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the initiallockout configuration of the safety firing lock-out mechanism of FIG.32;

[0062]FIG. 37 is a view similar to FIG. 36, which illustrates anoperational sequence of the safety firing lockout mechanism;

[0063]FIG. 38 is a view similar to FIG. 36 which illustrates anoperational sequence of the safety firing lockout mechanism; and

[0064]FIG. 39 is a view similar to FIG. 36 which illustrates a furtheroperational sequential view of the safety firing lockout mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0065] Preferred embodiments of the surgical instrument and methoddisclosed herein will be described in terms of a minimally invasivedirect coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) procedure wherein a vascularanastomosis is created by joining a section of a harvested vessel, e.g.,the internal memory artery (IMA) to bypass an occlusion in a coronaryartery, e.g., the left anterior descending artery (LAD). However, thepresently disclosed surgical anastomosis instrument may also be utilizedin performing anastomosis of other tubular luminal body structures Forexample, the presently disclosed surgical anastomosis instrument mayalso be utilized to perform an A-V fistula to facilitate hemodialysis.This procedure consists of an end-to-side anastomosis joining an arteryand a vein in the forearm or near the elbow. The A-V fistula allows asingle puncture at the dialysis unit for blood cleansing.

[0066] Referring now in detail to the drawing figures in which likereference numerals identify similar or identical elements, oneembodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated generally in FIG. 1and is designated therein as surgical instrument 100. Briefly, surgicalinstrument 100 includes a handle/actuator assembly 110 having adisposable loading unit 112 which is removably and rotatably attached tothe handle/actuator assembly 110 by way of intermediate section 114which extends from a distal end of housing/actuator assembly 110.

[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 2-8, disposable loading unit 112 includesa two-part fastener support member made up of split half-sections 116 aand 116 b which form a hinge and are connected to each other by hingepin 118. Split half-section 116 a includes an actuator barrel 120 whichforms a bore that opens at a proximal end. Actuator barrel 120 includesopposed longitudinal slots 122 and 124 to facilitate operation of anactuator member 126 which is slidably mounted in actuator barrel 120.Actuation member 126 is spring biased to a proximal-most orientation bya coil spring 128. Actuator 126 is further retained within actuatorbarrel 120 by a lock ring 130 which includes an annular groove 132defined by proximal and distal flanges 134 and 136, respectively. Eachof the proximal and distal flanges 134 and 136 include a pair of opposedslotted portions which are aligned to facilitate locking of ring 130anterior portion of a mounting hub 138.

[0068] For example, by way of passing lock ring 130 over opposedextended tabs 140 and 142, as best seen in FIG. 8, at the rotating lockring 130 one quarter turn such that the pairs of opposed slots formed inproximal flange and distal flange 134 and 136, respectively, are rotated90° with respect to tabs 140 and 142. Lock ring 130 is biased againstthe distal facing surfaces of extended tabs 140 and 142 by the force ofcompressed coil spring 128 which is disposed in the bore formedlongitudinally within actuator 126. In particular, a shoulder portion144 of actuator 126 is biased against an annular lip 146 (FIG. 4) whichis formed on the distal facing surface of lock ring 130. Actuator member126 further includes a pair of opposed transversely extending slots 148and 150 formed on the outer surface thereof which, as will be describedin further detail herein, provide an engagement surface for a fastenerpusher member.

[0069] Split half-sections 116 a and 116 b of the fastener supportmember are provided with fastener retaining sections 152 and 154. Eachof fastener retaining sections 152 and 154 are provided with a pluralityof longitudinal channels 156 which are configured and dimensioned tosupport a “C”-shaped surgical fastener or clip 158 therein by, forexample, friction or partial compression of clips 158. Fastenerretaining sections 152 and 154 are preferably arranged such thatlongitudinal channels 156 form an eccentric array radially about theouter surface of fastener support member 116. This arrangementfacilitates the efficacious formation of an angled connection or fistulabetween the vessels to be joined. Such a connection facilitates betterfluid flow through the anastomotic site.

[0070] A fastener pusher member 160 is provided to facilitatedeformation of clips 158 during firing of the instrument. Fastenerpusher member 160 is made up of split half-sections 160 a and 160 bwhich are secured to split half-sections 116 a and 116 b, respectively,by way of mounting plates 162 and 164 and screws 166 which are threadedinto threaded holes formed in receiving posts 168, 170; and 172, 174disposed on split half-sections 116 a and 116 b, respectively. Mountingplates 162 and 164 are attached to split half-sections 116 a and 116 bin a manner to permit longitudinal sliding movement of splithalf-sections 160 a and 160 b of fastener pusher member 160 relative tofastener support member 116. This sliding movement is facilitated bylongitudinally aligned slots 176, 178; and 180, 182 which are providedon split half-sections 160 a and 160 b, respectively.

[0071] Split half-sections 160 a and 160 b are further provided withmolded surfaces such as protrusions 184 and depressions 186 as shown onsplit half-section 160 a which interfit with corresponding protrusionsand depressions formed on split half-section 160 a so as to preventrelative longitudinal movement of split half-sections 160 a and 160 b.Stepped camming or pusher surfaces 188 are formed on the distal ends ofeach of split half-sections 160 a and 160 b and serve to cam aproximally oriented portion of clips 158 towards a distal orientedportion of clips 158. This motion effects deformation of the clips uponfiring of surgical instrument 100.

[0072] Finally, a hinge lock 190 is mounted between mounting plate 162and split half-section 160 b. Hinge lock 190 is provided with latchportions 192 and 194 which extend transversely across one side ofdisposable loading unit 112 to latch onto raised correspondingly shapedsurfaces 196 and 198, respectively, formed on the outer surface of splithalf-section 160 a. Hinge lock 190 is further provided with a pair oflongitudinally oriented slots 200 and 202 which are radially alignedwith slots 180 and 182 of split half-section 160 b to facilitaterelative longitudinal movement of hinge lock 190 with respect to bothsplit half-section 160 b and split half-section 116 a.

[0073] A flexible return lockout tab 204 extends proximally from thedistal end of slot 202 and is cantilevered outwardly away from a planedefined by slots 202 and 204 such that it is positioned in a tabreceiving recess 206 formed on the inner surface of mounting plate 162when the DLU 112 is in a pre-fired condition. A lockout slot 208 isformed longitudinally aligned with tab receiving recess 206 and spaceddistally therefrom such that upon distal movement of hinge lock 190(when split half-section 160 b is moved distally), return lockout tabwill be deflected to a flattened condition and will extend into lockoutslot 208 in order to prevent subsequent proximal movement of hinge lockupon proximal movement of split half-section 160 b after firing ofsurgical instrument 100.

[0074] In this manner, after firing of surgical instrument 100, latchportions 192 and 194 of hinge lock 190 will remain distal relative toraised surfaces 196 and 198 of split half-section of 160 a by permittingthe split half-sectioned DLU 112 to be opened by pivoting splithalf-sections 116 b and 160 a away from split half-sections 116 a and160 b to facilitate removal of the vessel segment from within the vesselpathway formed through the distal end of DLU 112 and out through alateral opening 210 formed by aligned molded recesses formed in each ofsplit half-sections 116 a, 116 b; and 160 a and 160 b of fastenersupport member 116 and fastener pusher member 160, respectively.

[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 9-12, the handle/actuator assembly 110 ofsurgical instrument 100 will now be described in detail. Handle/actuatorassembly 110 includes a housing formed of half-sections 212 a and 212 bwhich are preferably molded to have recessed inner surfaces and contoursformed therein to house the various components which are containedwithin handle/actuator assembly 110. In particular, handle/actuatorassembly 110 includes a DLU mounting assembly which facilitatesdetachable mounting of a DLU 112 to the distal end of handle/actuatorassembly 110. The DLU mounting assembly includes an elongated holdingtube 214 which is held longitudinally and rotationally fixed relative tohousing half-sections 212 a and 212 b. This mounting arrangement may beaccomplished for example, by way of an annular flange 216 formedadjacent the proximal end of holding tube 214 being held within anannular groove defined by partition wall segments 218 and 220 formed ineach of housing half-sections 212 a and 212 b.

[0076] Holding tube 214 is further prevented from rotational movement byway of flattened sidewall portions 222 formed on opposing sides ofholding tube 214 being retained within and abutting flat surfaces 224and 226 formed long partition wall segments 218 and 220, respectively,in each of housing half-sections 212 a and 212 b. DLU locking tube 215is secured within a collar 228 formed on slide 217. Tube 215 may besecured in slide 217 by any suitable means, for example, frictionfitting bonding, adhesives, or the like.

[0077] Coil spring 219 is interposed in housing half-sections 212 a and212 b between partitioned segments 218 and the proximal end surface ofcollar 228. In this manner, locking tube 215 is biased in a distal-mostposition which corresponds to a locked position to retain DLU 112 on thedistal end of surgical instrument 100. The distal end of DLU holdingtube 214 is provided with a semi-annular groove 230 which is dimensionedto receive mounting hub 138 formed at the proximal end of DLU 112.Semi-annular groove 230 is dimensioned to permit DLU mounting hub 138 torotate within the groove.

[0078] Handle and actuator assembly 110 further includes a firingassembly which facilitates movement of actuator 126 housed within theactuator barrel 120. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-15, thefiring assembly is a linkage mechanism which imparts reciprocatinglongitudinal movement in an actuator rod by way of movement of anactuator lever. However, it is within the scope of the presentdisclosure that the actuator rod may be reciprocatingly moved by anysuitable known methods. The firing assembly basically includes anactuator rod 232 which is connected to an actuator lever 234 by way oflinks 236 pivotally attached at either end to actuator rod 232 andactuator lever 234, respectively.

[0079] Actuator rod 232 is slidably disposed within a longitudinal boreformed through DLU holding tube 214. Actuator rod 232 is biased in aproximal-most position by way of a torsion spring 238 being mounted on apost 240 formed near the proximal end of housing half-section 212 b.Extended legs 238 a and 238 b are provided on torsion spring 238 to biasactuator lever 234 upwardly away from housing half-sections 212 a and212 b thereby pulling actuator rod 232 toward its proximal-most positionas determined by the abutment of annular shoulder 242 against partition244 formed in each of housing half-sections 212 a and 212 b.

[0080] To facilitate comfort and ease of operation for the user, a cover246 is secured over actuator lever 234 and is independently pivotallymounted to housing half-sections 212 a and 212 b. Cover 246 is providedwith an ergonomic surface 248 which is contoured and configured to becomfortably actuated by the thumb of a user when handle and actuatorassembly 210 is held in the palm of the user's hand.

[0081] A firing safety mechanism is also provided to prevent prematurefiring of surgical instrument 100. In the illustrated embodiment, thefiring safety assembly includes an inverted leaf spring 250 having acut-out portion 252 formed therein which biases against a shoulder 254formed on actuator rod 232. Spring 250 is further provided with a hookportion 256 formed at the proximal end thereof which latches onto aprotruding surface 258 formed in housing half-sections 212 a and 212 b.In this manner, spring 250 prevents distal movement of actuator rod 232when the safety mechanism is armed.

[0082] A safety release slide 260 which includes an upwardly extendingcontact surface is exposed from the upper surface of housinghalf-sections 212 a and 212 b to permit the user to operate the slideand forms a clevis on a lower portion thereof which receives a flattenedsection 266 of actuator rod 332. Safety release slide 260 is furtherprovided with a camming surface 268 along the lower edge thereof whichcams the spring 250 out of contact with shoulder 254 upon proximalmovement of safety release slide 260.

[0083] In use, as shown in FIGS. 13-31, surgical instrument 100facilitates the performance of a vascular anastomosis without the needfor manual suturing of the vessels. The method and usage describedherein will be addressed in terms of minimally invasive vascularanastomosis performed on a beating heart such as in a MIDCAB procedure.However, the presently disclosed surgical instrument may also be used inperforming anastomoses of other tubular or luminal body structureswithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example,surgical instrument 100 may be used in conventional open CABG proceduresusing a median sternotomy or other large incision without stopping theheart. Alternatively, the thoracic “window” procedure may be used toachieve access to the heart. The “window” approach involves a smallerincision and less displacement of the ribs, and therefore is lesstraumatic to the patient. For this approach, conventional surgicaltechniques are used to determine the location of the incision to accessthe chest cavity.

[0084] In particular, a surgical retractor assembly may be used toseparate the ribs at the site of the incision as shown in FIG. 13.Specifically, a base 270 is placed on the chest of the patient with thecentral opening defined by the base being positioned over the operativesite. Retractor assemblies 272 are mounted to the base at variouslocations. Each of retractor assemblies 272 includes a blade having ahook to engage either a rib or the sternum therewith. The retractorassemblies are mounted and used to retract ribs until a sufficientlylarge opening in the chest cavity is defined to provide direct access tothe heart. For example, the sternum and the fourth and fifth ribs can besplit apart to create a window. Other configurations of spreading theribs and/or selectively cutting individual ribs away from the sternummay also be utilized for a particular procedure.

[0085] Once the desired access to the heart is achieved, the graftvessel, e.g., the internal memory artery (IMA) is dissected from thesurrounding cartilage and muscle, in a free end of the vessel isexposed. The occluded coronary artery, e.g., the left anteriordescending artery (LAD), is then prepared for receiving the IMA graft.The heart is positioned in the desired orientation either by tractionsutures passing through the pericardium or by manipulation with heartmanipulation instruments which are held by the surgical personnel orclamped in a fixed orientation to a base such as the retractor assemblybase. One such heart manipulating instrument is available from UnitedStates Surgical Corporation of Norwalk, Conn. Blood flow through the LADcan be restricted by cardiopulmonary bypass and pericardial cooling.Alternatively, a damping instrument may be applied directly on the LADto restrict blood flow and reduce movement of the heart near the LAD.Such a heart stabilizing instrument is also available from United StatesSurgical Corporation of Norwalk, Conn.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 14, the free end of the IMA is inserted throughlateral opening 210 of DLU 112 and passed out the distal end opening ofthe DLU. The free end of the IMA is then everted over the distal end ofthe DLU such that the end of the IMA is retained by the distal endoriented portions of clips 158 as best shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16.Everting of the tissue may be achieved by any suitable known techniquessuch as y using graspers. With the IMA loaded in DLU 112, the DLU ismanipulated preferably detached from the handle and actuator assembly110 in approximation to an incision “I” formed in the LAD, as shown inFIG. 17. Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the DLU with the everted IMA isinserted into the incision “I” of the LAD such that the walls of the LADsurrounding the incision are retained between the everted end of the IMAand the proximal ends of clips 158, as shown in FIG. 19.

[0087] As previously noted, the distal end of DLU 112 is configured withan angle relative to a transverse plane of the DLU in order to optimizethe anastomosis and to facilitate optimal blood flow across the graftsite from the IMA to the LAD. This junction creates “heel” and “toe”portions in which an acute or obtuse angle between the vessels isdefined.

[0088] Once DLU 112 with the everted IMA has been successfully insertedthrough the incision of the LAD, the surgeon may then attach thehandle/actuator assembly 110 to DLU 112 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. Inparticular, the DLU lock slide 217 is moved proximally as indicated byarrow “A” in order to retract locking tube 215 and thereby expose thedistal end of DLU holding tube 214, and in particular, semi-annulargroove 230. DLU 112 is inserted on the distal end of the handle andactuator assembly 110 by placing mounting hub 138 within semi-annulargroove 230 and releasing the force applied on DLU lock slide 217 asindicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 21, to permit coil spring 219 to returnlock slide 217 and locking tube 215 to their distal-most orientationsthereby securing the DLU in place.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, when the surgeon is ready tocomplete the anastomosis, the safety release slide 260 is movedproximally as indicated by arrow “C” in FIG. 23 thereby causing cammingsurface 268 to cam spring 250 downwardly away from shoulder 254 asindicated by arrow “D”. Thereafter, the surgeon may depress cover 246towards handle half-sections 212 a and 212 b, as indicated by arrow “E”in FIG. 24, causing actuator rod 232 to drive actuator 126 of DLU 112distally as indicated by arrow “F”, thereby moving pusher member splithalf-sections 160 and 160 b distally to deform clips 158 as shown inFIGS. 25 and 26.

[0090] As best illustrated in FIG. 24, one particularly advantageousfeature of the presently disclosed surgical instrument is that uponactuation of handle/actuator assembly 110, safety release slide 260 isurged back into its initial locked orientation by way of annular flange216 of actuator rod 232 pushing the lower portion of safety releaseslide 260 during the distal movement of actuator rod 232. In thismanner, upon release of cover handle 246, the potential energy createdby the compression of torsion spring 238 will cause actuator rod 232 tobe pulled back proximally thereby engaging shoulder 254 with cutout 252of spring 250. This will serve to prevent accidental re-firing action ofsurgical instrument 100.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 26-30, a further uniquely advantageous featureof surgical instrument 100 is hinge lock 190 and its operation. Uponfiring of surgical instrument 100, return lockout tab 204 of hinge lock190, which extended into lockout slot 208 during distal movement ofhinge lock 190 with split half-sections 160 and 160 b, serves to retainhinge lock 190 distal of its original seated location in tab receivingrecess 206. By retaining hinge lock 190 at this position, latch portions192 and 194 are released from raised surfaces 196 and 198 of splithalf-section 160 a of the pusher member. In this manner, splithalf-section 116 b and 160 a may be pivoted away from splithalf-sections 116 a and 160 b as shown in FIG. 30 to permit the removalof the IMA from within the pathway of the DLU thereby completing thevascular anastomosis as shown in FIG. 31.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 31A, a portion of the vascular anatomy of anarm which may be an alternative utilized anastomosis site as illustratedwherein instead of joining the IMA to the LAD in a bypass procedure, anA-V fistula is performed utilizing surgical instrument 100 to join theradial artery end-to-side with the cephalic vein (sometimes called theradial vein). Other A-V fistulas which may also be achieved utilizingsurgical instrument 100 include joining the ulnar artery end-to-sidewith the basilic vein (sometimes called the ulnar vein). Such A-Vfistulas are performed to facilitate hemodialysis for end stage kidneydisease to allow a single puncture at the dialysis unit for bloodcleansing. The fistula allows a greater flow rate through the dialyzer(not shown).

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 32-39, an alternative embodiment of the firingsafety mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 22-24 is illustrated which alsoprevents the unintended firing of surgical instrument 100. The firingsafety mechanism includes a lock spring 350 and a safety release slide360. Referring to FIGS. 33 and 33A, safety release slide 360 includes apair of camming surfaces 360 a and 360 b which interact with camfollower surfaces 350 d and 350 e. Lock spring 350, as best illustratedin FIG. 34, includes a body portion 350 a that defines a yoke, a pair aleaf spring portions 350 b and 350 c, and a pair of cam followersurfaces 350 d and 350 e formed along a top portion thereof. An actuatorrod 332, FIG. 35, is configured and dimensioned to pass through yokeportion 350 a of lock spring 350.

[0094] In the initial (pre-fired) configuration, as shown in FIG. 36,safety release slide 360 is disposed above lock spring 350 such thatcamming surfaces 360 a and 360 b contact cam following surfaces 350 eand 350 e, respectively, when safety release slide 360 is in thedistal-most position. In this orientation, leaf spring portions 350 band 350 c serve to bias lock spring 350 upwardly within the instrumenthousing so that a shoulder portion 332 a of actuator rod 332 abutsagainst a proximal facing lower surface 350 f, as shown in FIG. 36, toprevent firing of the instrument.

[0095] When the surgeon desires to fire the instrument, safety releaseslide 360 is moved proximally as indicated by arrow “G” in FIG. 37. Inthis manner, camming surfaces 360 a and 360 b travel over cam followersurfaces 350 e and 350 d, respectively, thereby urging lock spring 350downwardly in the direction of arrows “H” to overcome the spring forceof leaf spring portions 350 b and 350 c. This movement displacesproximal surface 350 f below shoulder portion 332 a thereby permittingactuator rod 332 to move distally.

[0096] Upon distal movement of actuator rod 332 as indicated by arrow“I” in FIG. 38, a second shoulder portion 332 b formed proximal ofshoulder portion 332 a on actuator rod 332 contacts a rear wall portion360 c of safety release slide 360 thereby urging safety release slidedistally in a direction of arrow “I” as well. Upon release of actuatorhandle cover 246, actuator rod 332 moves proximally as indicated byarrow “J” in FIG. 39 thereby permitting lock spring 350 to move upwardlyas indicated by arrow “K” in FIG. 39 to reset the firing safetymechanism.

[0097] It will be understood that various modifications may be made tothe embodiment shown herein. For example, the instruments may be sizedto perform an anastomosis for other vessels and luminal tissue.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilledin the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spiritof the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical instrument for performing ananastomosis, comprising: a housing having proximal and distal ends; ashaft extending from the distal end of the housing; an actuator attachedto the housing; a disposable loading unit configured for selectiveattachment to the shaft, the disposable loading unit including: afastener support member configured and dimensioned to support an arrayof surgical fasteners; and a fastener pusher member which is movablethrough a firing stroke in response to movement of the actuator todeform the surgical fasteners.
 2. A surgical instrument for performingan anastomosis according to claim 1 wherein the disposable loading unitincludes opposed split sections which are pivotable relative to oneanother.
 3. A surgical instrument for performing an anastomosisaccording to claim 2 wherein the opposed split sections are pivotablebetween an open position and a close position after movement of thefastener pusher member through the firing stroke.
 4. A surgicalinstrument for performing an anastomosis according to claim 2 whereinthe opposed split sections of the disposable loading unit are locked ina closed, non-pivotable configuration prior to initiation of the firingstroke.
 5. A surgical instrument for performing an anastomosis accordingto claim 4 wherein after the firing stroke, the return of the fastenerpusher member unlocks the opposable split sections to allow pivotablemovement thereof.
 6. A surgical instrument for performing an anastomosisaccording to claim 1 wherein the fastener support member supports thesurgical fasteners in a partially compressed configuration.
 7. Asurgical instrument for performing an anastomosis according to claim 6wherein the surgical fasteners are generally C-shaped.
 8. A surgicalinstrument for performing an anastomosis according to claim 1 whereineach of the surgical fasteners includes a proximal tip and a distal tipand wherein at least one of the proximal and distal tips of at least oneof the surgical fasteners is atraumatic.
 9. A method of performing avascular anastomosis between first and second vessels comprising thesteps of: providing a surgical instrument which includes: a housinghaving proximal and distal ends with a shaft extending from the distalend of the housing; an actuator attached to the housing; a disposableloading unit configured for selective attachment to the shaft, thedisposable loading unit having a passageway defined therethrough andincluding: a fastener support member configured and dimensioned tosupport an array of surgical fasteners at a distal end thereof, thesurgical fasteners having proximal and distal tips; and a fastenerpusher member which is movable through a firing stroke in response tomovement of the actuator to deform the surgical fasteners; inserting thefirst vessel through the passageway and everting an end of the firstvessel over the distal end of the fastener support member adjacent thedistal tips of the surgical fasteners; inserting the fastener supportmember and the everted end of the first vessel into an opening in asidewall of the second vessel such that the proximal tips of thesurgical fasteners are adjacent the opening; connecting the disposableloading unit to the shaft; and actuating the actuator to deform thesurgical fasteners to secure the first and second vessels in fluidcommunication with one another.